Job Search Correspondence

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Tips for Writing and Producing
Job Search Correspondence

Job search letters need to be brief, understandable and positive. They need to communicate your value to a prospective employer effectively.

The following tips will help you achieve these goals:

  1. Design your letters to be work centered and employer centered, not self-centered. Your letters are marketing tools that address the needs of employers and make them want to learn more about you.
  2. Never delegate responsibilities for your job search to someone else. Do all the letter writing and follow-up yourself.
  3. Address your letter to a specific individual with his/her correct title and business address.
  4. Use high quality stationary and envelopes
  5. Keep letter to one page. Void rehashing your resume.
  6. Produce error-free, clean copies.
  7. Tailor your letters for each situation. Mass produced standard letters should never be sent.
  8. Show appreciation to the employer for considering your application, for granting you an interview, etc.
  9. Keep your reader in mind. Make letter easy to read and attractive.
  10. Be timely. Letters should be sent immediately following any contact.
  11. Be honest. Be able to back up your claims with evidence and examples.

----Taken from: Job Choices, 1996, p. 47